As LMU prepares for the 2018 West Coast Conference Championship this weekend, a trio of Lion rowers have been named to All-WIRA teams following a strong showing at the WIRA Championships at the end of April.

The 2018 WIRA Championships, hosted by the Sacramento State Aquatic Center, were held on April 28 and 29 on the championship course at Lake Natoma in Gold River, California. Esther Broddin and Ellery Martin were named to the first team, while Jessica Apodaca took home a second team selection.

Martin and Broddin were part of LMU's third-place boat in the Varsity 8, while Apodaca rowed in the Second Varsity 8.

Selection to the All-WIRA first team is based on finishing in the top three positions of the Men's Varsity 8, Women's DI Varsity 8, or Women's DII/DIII/Club Varsity 8. Selection to the All-WIRA second team is based on finishing in the top three places in the following events: Men's Second Varsity 8, Men's Lightweight 8, Men's Varsity 4, Men's Varsity Lightweight 4, Women's DI Second Varsity 8, Women's DII/DIII/Club Second Varsity 8, Women's DI 4, Women's DII/DIII/Club 4, or Women's Varsity Lightweight 4.

Seven teams are set to participate in Saturday's WCC Championship, which will again be held at Lake Natoma. The racing begins at 8:40 a.m. with the Second Varsity 4, followed by the Varsity 4, Second Varsity 8, and concluding with the Varsity 8 race.

Sixteen-time and defending WCC champion Gonzaga is garnering national recognition headed into the event, receiving three votes in this week's US Rowing Coaches Top 25. The Bulldogs, led by March's WCC Crew of the Month in the second varsity eight boat, have rowed full steam ahead this season, posting three top-three finishes at the San Diego Crew Classic while also taking wins against Oregon State in the two varsity four boats. The Zags also captured the Hornet Invite with wins in the varsity eight and second varsity eight.

LMU, picked third in the WCC preseason poll, placed three boats in Grand Finals at the San Diego Crew Classic and captured wins at the Berg Cup. The Lions polished off their regular season with a win in the Women's 2x Final at the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships on Lake Natoma.

For full coverage of the WCC Championships, please visit the link below.

2018 WCC Rowing Championships